Key Sir Alicha (Ethiopian Beet & Potato)

Key Sir Alicha is an Ethiopian style of Beet and potato with spices. If you don’t have spices use red chilly powder. The combination of potatoes and beets will be really good. You can see an array of posts coming from Ethiopian cuisine. I made the whole vegan platter of Ethiopian food with Injera. Tikil gomen | Ethiopian cabbage is similar to the beet whereas, it uses the combination of cabbage, carrot, and potato.

I prepared beets using an Ethiopian spice blend, but it is purely optional. It tastes great without berbere powder too. The other recipe which I prepared with Berbere is Misir wot a lentil recipe.

Food for the thought

“A brain was only capable of what it could conceive, and it couldn’t conceive what it had never experienced”

― Graham Greene

Benefits of the ingredients (source)

Beet: They are very low in cholesterol and saturated fat and a good source of dietary fiber, folate, potassium, and manganese, Vitamin C, and iron.

Video for Key sir Alicha | Ethiopian Beet & Potato

Steps for preparing Ethiopian beet and potato

1. Heat a pan with oil and fry chopped garlic, ginger, and jalapeno. Add chopped onions.
2. Next, add peeled and cubed beets. Season with berbere powder and salt. Cover and cook beet until soft.
3. Finally, add potatoes and allow them to cook.

Variations

Berbere powder: Use red chilly powder or a combination of red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder.
Lemon juice: Add at the end for a tangy flavor.
Jalapeno: Avoid if you feel it has more spice.

Other Ethiopian recipes

• Tikil gomen | Ethiopian cabbage
• Berbere | Ethiopian spice blend
• Misir wot | Red lentil stew

Other Beet recipes

Carrot & Beet Chia seed pudding
Beet tortillas

Questions/Tips

Do we need to add potatoes?

No. The combination of beet and potato will be good. You can avoid potatoes and add sweet potatoes if you like. But remember beet is also sweetish in taste. So add more spice and balance the taste if using sweet potato.

How long will it take to cook beet?

Once the beet is peeled and cubed in small bites, it doesn’t take that long to cook. Add the water and close the lid and the beet will be cooked within 10 minutes.

Should I add boiled potato?

Not necessary. I had boiled potato in my hand, so added just a few minutes before switching it off. If adding raw potatoes, add while the beet is cooked halfway through. The beet cooked with potato will give a nice color too.

What are the other options of spices in Ethiopian beets?

Usually, mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds are added. If using mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds, add once the oil is hot and allow the mustard seeds to splutter. Then add onions, garlic, and ginger. For a tangy taste, squeeze some lemon juice at the end.

What if I don’t have berbere powder?

You can substitute simply by adding 1 tsp of paprika or red chili powder. If you like to add more flavor, add ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric powder.

What are the other options to cook beet?

Boil Method: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. There should be enough water to cover the beets. While the water is coming to a boil, add beets and cook until tender.
Steam method: In a steamer pot, steam the beets for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember the water should not touch the steamer.
Roasting method: Wrap in a foil with olive oil and salt and bake in the oven for 450 deg F (45-60 minutes).

Meal prep ideas

Follow the instructions, and complete the dish. Once it is done, allow it to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze for a month. To pack your lunch or serve defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Heat in a stovetop or microwave until warm.

Recipe card for Key Sir Alicha (Ethiopian Beet & Potato)